I'm sick, but should I miss clinical?

pookyp, LPN · Mar 18, 2014

I wouldn't go. Wouldn't want to get anyone else sick.

Since last Thursday you've had this? Why are you still feeling bad? I thought it usually lasted 24 hrs or so? Hope you feel better!

haileyjewell · Mar 18, 2014

It wasn't that bad at the beginning but it's getting worse for some reason. I don't know what it is. Thank you :)

RN9742 · Mar 18, 2014

I would call off if it is that bad, and I would go to the doc if it is getting worse several days later. You should be feeling better by now!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 18, 2014

As long as you've notified your lead instructor & clinical instructor and they've said to stay home....stay home.

1) They will give you an alternate assignment, 2) they could possibly set up a clinical make-up day, 3) You don't want to get your patients sick, 4) You don't want your classmates to get it, either.

Hope you feel better soon!! :)

mevsmom · Mar 18, 2014

I wouldn't go.

In my opinion it's irresponsible to go when you know you are sick because you risk getting your patients sick, nurses, and fellow students. Also, I wouldn't want to risk having an accident because that would be mortifying.

Ldy76 · Mar 18, 2014

No. You shouldn't go. It's clinicals. You can't be around the patients cause you're sick. Make sure you get a note from your doctor as proof that you're not able to attend clinical.

Jenngirl34RN · Mar 18, 2014

I agree with everyone else...the last thing the patients in the hospital need is for you to bring them some nasty stomach thing. Depending on what your patient has going on your bug could be very serious. Make sure you inform your instructor. You might also want to make an appointment with your doctor.

I hope you feel better soon!

RunBabyRN · Mar 18, 2014

I agree- don't go to clinicals, and see your doctor.

iamnrn90 · Mar 18, 2014

I caught a stomach bug last week, and started having symptoms Thursday night. Since Thursday I've had awful nausea, and diarrhea. I can't really eat, medicine isn't helping. I've lost ten pounds. So today I had a test and couldn't miss class. I did "okay" but I was really weak. After I left class and was driving home I didn't make it to a bathroom in time . I've had to run to the bathroom 10+ times since I left class. It's eased off a little but I'm still nauseated and when I drink a sip of anything I have to run to the bathroom. My instructor told me to see how I feel in the morning and if I can't make it to just call her. Considering my "accident" today should I risk it? I feel terrible. Clinical tomorrow is just shadowing a nurse at a health department for 5 hours.

No mam. You have to stay home. That big travels so fast. Get the liquids going but most of all see your doctor. Hope you feel better!

Sent from 'her' iPhone using allnurses ???

ixchel · Mar 18, 2014

I hope you did decide to call off. I had to miss my first clinical day since starting the program this semester. I had strep throat. I don't know how my kids manage to get strep and still play like little wild monsters. I get it, I'm falling asleep across two chairs in the waiting room of the urgent care with 104 fever. Anyway, moral of the story is you come into contact with immunocompromised patients every clinical. It is your duty to keep your nasty bugs to yourself. It sucks losing the hours, and it sucks squeezing make up work or hours into your schedule later, but you could possibly be saving a life or two by doing it.

I hope you feel better soon!

haileyjewell · Mar 18, 2014

I stayed home today, hopefully it will go away soon. Thanks everyone for the replies.